5 Tips to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season

Hurricanes can be scary, but they’re even more frightening if you aren’t prepared. Your home’s roof is your first level of protection from the intense weather, so it’s essential to make sure it’s prepared to handle all that a hurricane can bring.  

From the expert roofing team at Landmark Exteriors, here are five tips to help prepare your roof for hurricane season:

  1. Schedule an Inspection

The only way to be certain that your roof is in good shape and ready to handle a hurricane is to get it professionally inspected. An expert roofer can spot any damage and vulnerable areas of your home’s roofing system. Furthermore, they can recommend the next course of action for any needed repairs. 

  1. Continue With Regular Maintenance

Every homeowner should follow a consistent roofing maintenance routine, including professional inspections, examinations, cleanings, and repairs. Before hurricane season, do not skip out on any important roofing maintenance tasks to ensure there are no damages or problems that can put your roof, your house, and you at risk when a storm hits.  

  1. Trim Nearby Trees

Hurricane winds can be very powerful and cause trees around your home to fall and potentially strike and damage your roofing system. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have any loose or leaning trees on your property removed and trim back overhanging branches.  

  1. Clean Your Gutter System

Your home’s gutter system plays a major role in mitigating rainwater safely off your roof and away from your house. Hurricanes can lead to immense amounts of rain being dumped onto your home, so it’s important to be sure your gutters and drains are clear of any debris and blockages that can interrupt the flow of water.  

  1. Review Your Insurance and Warranties

You can never be certain of how devastating the hurricane will be to your home, and unfortunately, even if you do all the above steps, there still might be significant damage. Before any storm arrives, take some time to review your insurance plan and current roof warranty so if disaster strikes, you are familiar with all the information you will need.  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

7 Tips For Cleaning Your Home’s Windows

Windows are one of the most important parts of your home! Regularly cleaning them to ensure they look great and sunlight can shine through isn’t the easiest home maintenance task, especially because it can be a challenge to get the results you want. 

Below are a few tips to help you clean your home’s windows so they’re streak-free and spotless: 

  1. Clear off dust and debris first.

Before getting started, take a few minutes to brush or vacuum your window sills to eliminate the built-up dust and dirt. Not doing so can cause them to get stuck to your windows, making it more difficult to get a nice, thorough cleaning done.  

  1. Avoid cleaning in the sun. 

It’s best to wait for a cloudy day to clean your home’s windows. The heat from the sunshine can cause the water and cleaner to dry too quickly, leaving tough spots and streaks across the window. Waiting for clouds or cleaning at hours when the sunlight has moved away from your home can save you from frustration.  

  1. Utilize cold water. 

Similar to the effects of sunlight while cleaning your windows, warm or hot water can evaporate too quickly and leave streaks from the water and cleaner. Using cold water is an easy solution to this problem. 

  1. Use the right cloth. 

Don’t just use any old cloth or paper towels to clean your home’s windows, or you’ll be left with lint and debris all over. For the best streak-free results, use a clean microfiber cloth. 

  1. Try a squeegee.

You may want to try a squeegee to get the job done, especially if you have large windows, just like the pros use! Luckily, they are very easy to use; just soap up your window and wipe downward at 45-degree angles with a dry squeegee. Be sure to dry it after each use, so you’ll be left with spotless windows.

  1. Tackle those tough stains.

If you have difficult hard water and other stains that aren’t coming off easily, it may help to use a mild abrasive cleaner to lift it up. You may also want to try a cleaning solution with vinegar because the acidity can break up the stain. 

  1. If you can, clean the outside from the inside.

Many modern homes have double-hung windows that can tilt into your home, making it easier and safer to clean the outside. If you do need to head outside with a ladder, make sure there is someone else there to help keep you safe. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for siding and roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s exterior looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

What Should My Roof Estimate Include?

Planning a roof replacement can be an overwhelming experience. Most homeowners don’t know what to look for when getting estimates from different companies, but it’s essential to do some research about roofing estimates to ensure you are getting the best services and minimize the chances of complications.  

Here’s what your roofing estimate should include:

Payment Information

This should include the due dates of payment and what methods of payment are accepted. 

Costs

All service costs should be detailed, including labor, equipment, materials, removing the old roof, dumpster rentals, debris removal, and more.  

Roofing Materials

There should be a detailed section explaining and listing all the materials used on the project and their costs, including roof coverings, shingles, drip edges, flashing, nails, ventilation, etc. There should also be a description and list of all the steps and work being done on the home.  

The Work Being Completed and the Expectations of Work

There should be a complete description and list of all the steps and work being done on the home included in the estimate. The contractors should also list the guarantees of their workmanship, results, and the cleanup afterward.  

Timeline

The estimate should list the entire approximate timeline of the project from start to finish.  

Warranty

Be sure the estimate includes all the information about the warranties for both workmanship and materials. 

Insurance and Licensing

Never sign a contract with a roofing contractor unless you are sure they have proper insurance and a license to work. 

Additional Charges

If there is a possibility for additional charges to be added throughout the project, there should be a section detailing these add-ons.

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

How to Care For Your Home’s Siding During The Summer

Your siding is crucial to the protection and well-being of your house’s exterior– it protects against harsh weather conditions and holds your home together. As the years go by, your siding will need some maintenance and TLC to help it stay in good shape.  

From the home siding experts at Landmark Exteriors, here are a few tips to help you maintain your siding during the summer months: 

Look For Damage and Problems

Before doing any other kind of care for your siding, it’s important to do an inspection. Be on the lookout for any signs of warping, breaks, missing pieces, or other damages or irregularities. More specifically, check for split panels, peeling paint, and changes in texture for vinyl siding. If your home has wood siding, look for loose boards, soft spots, insects, and other signs of rot. 

Clean The Siding

Your home’s siding is very susceptible to plenty of dirt, dust, and debris, especially once summer arrives. As things build up, it is also possible for mold and mildew to grow as well. The cleaning method you choose should depend on your siding’s material. In general, try using a cloth or sponge and a mild detergent to scrub and then rinse for surface cleaning. Consider power washing if your siding is sturdy and needs a deep clean.  

Refurbish The Paint

Your siding sits in the sun all day long, and those intense sun rays can lead to some wear and fading of the paint. Summer is a great time to get a new coat of paint on your siding, so it not only looks good as new but is protecting your home properly.  

Schedule Repairs And Replacements

If any issues with your home’s siding need to be fixed or replaced, don’t put it off– the damage could become worse and more costly the longer you wait. Contact your local roofing professionals to examine the issue and make the recommended repairs or replacements. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for siding inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s siding looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

FAQs About Metal Roofs

If you’re looking to replace your roof, join other homeowners and consider metal roofing! 

From the metal roofing experts at Landmark Exteriors, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about metal roofing: 

Q: What are the benefits of metal roofing?

  • Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and design options. 
  • Metal roofing is incredibly durable and can last more than 30 years. 
  • Metal roofing is fire and rot-resistant. 
  • Metal roofing is energy-efficient and can reduce your energy costs. 

Q: Can metal roofs be installed over an existing roof? 

Yes, they can! Metal roofing is lightweight and is unlikely to overload your current asphalt roof. Installing your metal roof over an existing one can also provide extra insulation.  

Q: Is metal roofing noisy?

Metal roofing is typically installed over an existing roof or a plywood and felt base. As a result, sounds from wind, hail, and other weather conditions aren’t any louder than other roofing materials.  

Q: Is metal roofing expensive?

Metal roofing does cost more than an asphalt roof. Initially, installing a metal roof will be more expensive, but it will last longer and need less maintenance over time, potentially saving you money in the long run. 

Q: Is metal roofing environmentally friendly?

Yes, metal roofing is a much more sustainable option than asphalt roofs. Your metal roof may be partially made from recyclable metal, and at the end of its lifespan, it can likely be recycled again, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to other roofing materials. 

Q: How do metal roofs handle snow and ice?

Metal roofs are great for colder climates that get heavy snowfall. When snow lands on your roof, it won’t build up and will instead slip right off, also helping to reduce ice formation. 

Q: How can I learn more about metal roofs?

Give the metal roofing experts at Landmark Exteriors a call at (203) 838-3838!

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Summer Property Maintenance Tips

It’s important to care for your property every season, but when summer comes, your home requires some extra maintenance. Summer is the time for outdoor living and enjoying the outdoors, meaning your property’s looks and functionality is more important than ever. 

From the team at Landmark Exteriors, here are some maintenance tips to help you take care of your home and property this summer season: 

Clean up With a Power Washer

The heat and humidity that encompasses the summer season can cause mold and mildew to grow outside your home. Use a power washer to help you get a thorough clean on your patio, driveway, walls, and siding; they’ll all look good as new! 

Clean Out Your Gutter System

The spring and winter seasons likely have left your gutters clogged with all kinds of dirt and debris that can lead to broken and inefficient gutters. Take some time to safely remove all that gunk out of your gutters and downspouts to make sure water has a place to safely drain away from your home. 

Beautify Your Lawn

If you love having a luscious green lawn and vibrant plants surrounding your home, it will take some work to get there. Your plants, trees, and grass are begging for some TLC to help them grow and thrive. Mow, seed, and fertilize your lawn while giving your flowers and trees the mulch and water they need to grow to make your property look great!

Wash Your Windows

Let the light shine into your home by getting outside and cleaning your windows. Use hot, soapy water to scrub and thoroughly clean the surfaces for a spotless finish. Don’t forget the screens, too! 

Get A Roof Inspection Done

As the seasons change, your roofing system handles a lot, from heavy snow to rain to hail to heat. Getting an inspection done every year helps ensure your roof remains in good working condition. As well, your roofing expert can spot any damages and potential issues that need to be addressed soon before it worsens and becomes more costly. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.